NFL: Rookie Watch Week 4

By Rory Daniels

Week 4 saw us finally get another rookie starter at QB. Jaxson Dart took the focus off Cam Ward by stepping in to lead the Giants, resulting in a shock victory against the Chargers. Elsewhere, he had a teammate on the opposite side of the ball who proved his 1st round status. Let’s take a closer look, as well as shine a light on some of the other top rookie performances of the weekend.

Giants' rookie dependency increases

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Last week, we highlighted Cam Skattebo’s ascension to the starting running back position due to injury. This week, the Giants handed over the keys to their offense to another rookie, Jaxson Dart. The results were mixed, but getting the win papers over most of the cracks. Dart’s mobility added a different dimension to the offense, which looked hapless under Russell Wilson. Dart’s average depth of target was on the low side at 7.9 yards, and five sacks are too many to be sustainable long term. However, the offense survived through his ten rushing carries, which included five first downs and a touchdown. The Saints next week gives him more time to develop before the Eagles await.

On the other side of the line, Abdul Carter was a pivotal part of a dominant display from the defensive line. No rookies recorded a sack on the defensive line this week, but Carter came closest. He recorded eight pressures and benefited from the absence of Joe Alt at left tackle. Stand-in Austin Deculus struggled to cope with Carter’s array of pass rush moves that displayed bend, dip and even a cheeky spin move. Carter only has one sack so far this season, but on this showing, it won’t take long for that to increase.

Surprise name emerges in Saints secondary

The Saints took somewhat of a gamble on Virginia safety Jonas Sanker in the draft. The consensus mock draft database had Sanker rated as a fourth-rounder, but the Saints took a punt one round sooner. The early returns show they got their scouting right. Sanker intercepted Josh Allen and had two further pass breakups. In each instance, he demonstrated excellent range and speed to cover a large area of the secondary. It was all in vain, given the Saints fell to 0-4 with a 31-19 loss, Sanker representing one of the few bright spots of the afternoon.

Bond has a big opportunity in Cleveland

Former Alabama and Texas receiver Isaiah Bond must have been shocked to see himself go undrafted in April. Still, he has got his head down for Cleveland and now has a significant opportunity to make a lasting impression. A hamstring injury to Cedric Tillman meant Bond got more targets from QB Joe Flacco. He ended the afternoon with 58 receiving yards, leading the Browns, including two contested catches out of 2, showing his ability in traffic. He may have a different quarterback next week, but Bond could cement himself as WR2 behind Jerry Jeudy going forward.

Rookie Running Backs continue to shine

Both first-round rookie running backs broke the 100-yard rushing mark in Week 4, both in losing efforts. Ashton Jeanty demonstrated his aggressive running style, forcing nine missed tackles, scoring all of the Raiders’ touchdowns. For the Chargers, Omarion Hampton finished averaging over 10 yards per carry. He had 128 rushing yards and 1 TD; 85 of those yards came after first contact.

Elsewhere, last year’s Ohio State running back tandem flashed potential. Quinshon Judkins got over 100 all-purpose yards and a TD, while former teammate Treveyon Henderson also got his first NFL touchdown in a dominant beatdown of Carolina.

Rounding up the rest

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Shoutout to Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell, who was the only rookie to not allow a single pressure in Week 4. His protection allowed Drake Maye to thrive in a decisive victory over the Panthers.

The most troubling performances along the o-line were from Kelvin Banks of the New Orleans Saints and guard Connor Colby of the 49ers. Both allowed five pressures in losing efforts.

Cam Ward continued his tough introduction to the NFL, this week suffering the ignominy of a shutout to the Texans. He managed only just over 100 passing yards and another interception, although that wasn’t entirely his fault.

Teddye Buchanan suffered as a stand-in backer for the Ravens; he allowed three catches on four targets, including a TD as Mahomes put on a clinic, particularly in the middle of the field. Elsewhere, Andrew Mukuba allowed a huge TD to Emeka Egbuka, contributing to his lowly 34.2 coverage grade from PFF. It was a rare blot on what’s been an excellent start for the Eagles’ safety.

Rory-Joe Daniels

NFL & Cfb contributor

AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.

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